Theory and ethics of Science

Postgraduate course

Course description

Objectives and Content

1. To provide an introduction to the philosophy of science and research ethics.

2. To provide an introduction to scientific reasoning, to basic science dilemmas and to scientific approaches with particular relevance for the different study tracks.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge:

The student should be able to account for:

  • The content of central traditions within the philosophy of science.
  • Basic research tools within the philosophy of science (the understanding of central concepts, classifications and principles of logic).
  • The content of relevant principles and guidelines within research ethics.

Skills:

The student should be able to:

  • Critically analyze and discuss epistemological dilemmas encountered within own practical field (research track)
  • Reflect on the production of knowledge within own practical field
  • Critically assess scientific papers with respect to their philosophy of science perspective(s).
  • Assess research ethical and societal challenges related to one¿s own professional field.
  • Exercise research-ethical judgments pertaining to concrete research projects.

Semester of Instruction

Autumn
Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap
HELVIT300 has full overlap with HELSAM302 (5sp).
Access to the Course
Integrated Master in Pharmacy, Master in Biomedicine
Teaching and learning methods

The course is devided over three weeks, where there is a gap between week tow and three.

Education:

  • Lectures with student-active elements
  • Group work
  • Self-study
Compulsory Assignments and Attendance
Min. 80% attendance on lectures and seminars, and active participation in group.
Forms of Assessment

Essay and reflection note e (regarding the writing of the essay)

A maximum of 3 students can write an essay together (each person's contribution will then have to be accounted for in the reflection note)

  • 5 to 7 pages, including references (font 12, line spacing 1,5).
Grading Scale
Pass / Fail
Assessment Semester
Autumn
Reading List
A reading list will be found on Mitt UiB
Course Evaluation
Written evaluation.
Programme Committee
Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine
Course Coordinator
Professor Kristine Bærøe
Course Administrator
Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care